When

The 2016 Big Island Film Festival held at the Fairmont Orchid was attended by the most participants ever with 58 films shown as well as celebrity salutes and receptions for Bellamy Young and Michael Gross.

This year, 2011 Golden Honu Award Recipient and Hawaii Islands own actress Kristina Anapau (“True Blood”, “Black Swan”) made a surprise guest appearance as she happened to be working on a project over on Maui and was able to get away for a couple days.

I’ve continued a dialog with Kristina since I first met her in 2011 and I asked the former model if I could do a photo shoot and interview with her and she agreed.

I asked her what she has been up to since the 2011 Big Island Film Festival and Anapau stated:

“Since 2011? Quite a lot! I’ve completed about a half a dozen feature films, played the faerie Maurella on the HBO series True Blood for a few seasons, and appeared on a handful of other great shows like Grimm and Anger Management.

I also developed and launched a fashion product, Color It New, which has done really well. It’s an aerosolized colorant that that permanently change the color of shoes, handbags, belts, and other accessories without any chipping, cracking, or peeling— it’s pretty amazing.”

My next business endeavor is called Enlight Lifestyle and is set to launch January 2017. It’s a lifestyle website, brand, and content streaming platform focused on stylish, conscious, and informed living. Readers can visit www.enlightlifestyle.com to find out more!

I asked her how she would recommend up and coming actors and actresses from the Big Island to get noticed by mainland filmmakers?

I’d probably recommend that they move to LA or NYC if they are really serious. You hear about fairytale “discovery” stories where an actor is spotted by an agent or producer who launches them into stardom, but in actuality, even after such a discovery, you are still going to have to move to where the action is and be prepared to put in a lot of hard work. As for getting noticed? Work on your craft, be open to opportunities as they arise…and be tenacious when it comes to achieving your goals. Often times its tenacity and not talent that causes one actor to be successful and another to not be. Oh…and write old-fashioned, pen and paper thank you notes to everyone.

When asked what she liked most about the Big Island Film Festival?

Leo and Jan Sears have created such a special festival over the years with BIFF. A film I was in called Self Medicated won the Grand Jury prize at the the very first BIFF back in 2006, and I was honored with the Actress No Ka Oi Award in 2011. It’s always been a meaningful event for me and of course it’s great to get to come home!

Kristina and her father who lives here on the Big Island.

I asked her what the current projects she is working on and when does she expect the film(s) to be released and Anapau replied,

“I’m currently filming a feature here on Maui! I met the director, Brian Kohne, at the 2011 Big Island Film Festival as a matter of fact. It’s a culturally rich mystery/drama set in Hawaii in 1971. A really beautiful film. I have several things lined up after we wrap on Kuleana, none of which I can talk too much about yet, but one of which shoots in Oregon, which I am very exited about. I have a lot of family in Oregon and love spending time up there.”

When asked if there were any former teachers here on the Big Island that she would like to say mahalo to in particular for one reason or another she stated,

“I always want to give a mahalo to Celeste Anderson-Staton, my ballet teacher on the Big Isle who inspired me tremendously and taught me so much — wouldn’t have been cast in Black Swan without her training! Also a mahalo to Desiree Moana Cruz for helping me so much when I was first starting out as a model at age 14!”

Acclaimed as one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “20 Can’t-Miss Festivals,” the Big Island Film Festival (BIFF) 2013 will take place May 23-27 at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and The Shops at Mauna Lani. A celebration of narrative filmmaking, BIFF 2013 includes film screenings, social events, screenwriting workshop and a closing night “Best of the Fest” with a top Hawaiian music concert and movies chosen by the audience from Festival entries.

Photo by Kirk Aeder

“There are hundreds of film festivals around the country,” said Executive Director Leo Sears, “but how many offer the audience a resort setting like The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i? Their Plantation Estate is this incredibly beautiful lū‘au area by the tennis garden. They set up a 20-foot screen and superb sound system, gourmet food stations, a beer and wine bar—all out there under the stars, surrounded by palm trees. It’s just a magnificent way to spend Memorial Day Weekend.”

The majority of BIFF events take place at various locations within The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, including daytime film screenings in the air-conditioned amphitheatre, filmmaker workshops, celebrity receptions and salutes, as well as “festival films” (up to R) and Best of the Fest, at Plantation Estate. Family films (up to PG-13) are shown at The Shops at Mauna Lani Center Stage, where admission is free.

“We’re not quite ready to announce the celebrities for this year yet,” said Sears. Generally, one filmmaker and one actor are invited to attend BIFF, where attendees can meet and interact with them at receptions and salutes in their honor, and other social occasions. “But I can tell you that we’re getting a lot of interest from stars who’ve heard about the Festival and want to experience the Big Island.”

BIFF 2013’s “Golden Honu” Awards will be presented to the Best Feature and Best Short in Family, Student, Animated, Foreign, Hawaii and Audience Choice categories at a special Awards Brunch to honor the filmmakers and their works on Monday, May 27. Numerous alumni films have won awards at prestigious film festivals around the world, and achieved commercial success in the industry. One of BIFF’s alumni short films, “The Buzkashi Boys” is a current Oscar nominee, and another, “The Sea is All I Know” starring Academy Award-winner Melissa Leo, was a nominee last year.

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of narrative filmmaking. Sponsors include The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, The Shops at Mauna Lani, County of Hawai‘i, Dept. of R&D: CPEP Grant/Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Redeeming Light International, Inc. and others. For detailed information visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com, find them on Facebook, or 808-883-0394.

Former Big Island resident and actress Kristina Anapau, known for her role as faerie Maurella on True Blood, is competing against three fellow Hawaiian celebrities to snare $10,000 in a competition run by Verizon Wireless and Modern Luxury Hawaii.

Anapau, whose mother was diagnosed with Cancer in 2012, says she will donate the money to the Stand Up to Cancer Foundation should she win.

“Now more than ever, as funding for cancer research is disappearing, every single one of us must stand up and be heard. My mother was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer just four months ago”, says the actress. “I am proud to support SU2C and its efforts to raise funds for groundbreaking cancer research that can get therapies to patients quickly and save lives.”

Stand Up To Cancer, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), was created to accelerate innovative cancer research that will get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.

Anapau, who hails from Hawaii, stars on TVs True Blood. In 2013, she will also star in the films BlackJacks and Sighting.

Free fun, food and festivities for the whole family will be part of the County of Hawai‘i’s 2nd Annual holiday open house – the Magic of the Season – to be held December 10-21 at the Hawai‘i County Building in Hilo.

County volunteers will decorate dozens of trees, provide refreshments and offer holiday cheer so families may enjoy a safe, community-oriented event. Members of the public may view the exciting decorations daily starting at 8 a.m. Live entertainment, refreshments and holiday activities will be available weeknights between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Local Girl and True Blood Star Kristina Anapau made an appearance last year.

School groups, civic organizations and individuals are invited to experience the holiday offerings by touring the office building located at 25 Aupuni St. Attendees may vote for the best displays, which will receive donated prizes.

For more details, please contact Jason Armstrong, Department of Parks and Recreation Public Information Officer, at 345-9105 or jarmstrong@co.hawaii.hi.us. Inquiries may also be sent to T. Ilihia Gionson, Executive Assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi, at 961-8211 or tigionson@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Entertainment Lineup

Monday
December 10

5:00 – Boni & Doug
5:45 – Stan Kaina

6:30 – Puna Taiko Drums

7:00 – Ira & Dru Kekaualua

Tuesday
December 11

5:00 – Cyril Pahinui and the students of
Connections Public Charter School
6:00 – Braddah Waltah Aipolani
7:00 – Hawai‘i County Band

Hawaii’s Big Island Film Festival (BIFF) 2013, one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” and “25 Coolest Film Festivals,” is now accepting entries for the May 23-27 events at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i. A celebration of narrative filmmaking in inspiring Hawai‘i Island settings, BIFF includes screenings, social events and networking opportunities, celebrity receptions, screenwriting workshops and more. A closing night “Best of the Fest” features a top Hawaiian music concert and movies chosen by our audience from Festival entries. Last year’s celebrity honorees included Eloise Mumford (“The River”) and NBC’s award-winning Story/Career Consultant Jennifer Grisanti.

Eloise Mumford at the 2012 Big Island Film Festival

Deadlines. Narrative short films (30 minutes or less) and feature length (60 minutes or more) completed after January 1, 2012 will be considered. Deadlines are:

All films shot in Hawai‘i or created by filmmakers who live in Hawai‘i receive a 25% discount on entry fees (verification required).

Outdoor evening screenings (Kirk Aeder photo)

Awards. BIFF 2013’s “Golden Honu” will be awarded to the Best Feature and Best Short in Family, Student, Animated, Foreign, Hawai‘i and Audience Choice categories at a special Awards Brunch to honor the filmmakers and their works on Monday, May 27, 2013. Numerous alumni films have won awards at prestigious film festivals around the world, and achieved commercial success in the industry.

Success stories. The made-in-Hawai‘i comedy “Get A Job,” was screened in Spain during the Marbella Film Festival and numerous other festivals around the world. “Get A Job” is currently being shown in Hawai‘i theatres, prior to mainstream DVD release this fall. From Canada, “Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy” continues to garner acclaim at international film festivals, and both the film DVD and its soundtrack are enjoying commercial success.

2012 films “Searching for Sonny”, “Qwerty”, “The Italian Key” and numerous others have enjoyed success on film festival circuits, as have 2011’s “The Dead Inside”, “Uncle Melvin’s Apartment” and numerous other BIFF alumni film projects. “The Drummond Will” (2011) has been acquired by House Lights Media Partners for Theatrical and Non-Theatrical North American distribution. “Lunatics, Lovers, and Poets” (BIFF 2009) was distributed in 10 states through Carmike Cinemas, and by North American Home Entertainment DVD contract with Seminal Films. “Remarkable Power” starring Kevin Nealon (2009 BIFF Best Feature) was released through most cable outlets as a PPV title before DVD release. “Two Tickets to Paradise” (BIFF 2008), and “Rain in the Mountains” and “Sixes and the One-Eyed King” (BIFF 2007) have been released on DVD.

“It’s hard to believe we’re in production for the eighth annual Big Island Film Festival with our resort partners at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i,” said Executive Director Leo Sears. “Thanks to them, and to our wonderful audiences, filmmaker family and supporters, we’re able to bring a little bit of the ‘Sundance’ experience to Hawai‘i. Filmmakers from around the world have told me it’s one of the most inspiring and rewarding film festivals they’ve been to, and that’s what it’s all about.”

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of narrative filmmaking, with free family films under the stars, international features and shorts screened days and evenings at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, stellar social events, celebrity receptions, screenwriting workshops, film awards and much more in an outstanding island setting. Anchor sponsors include: The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority/Hawai‘i County Department of Research and Development CPEP, Kenwood Vineyards, Redeeming Light International Inc. and many other generous sponsors and supporters.

Unfortunately this year she Kristina was supposed to be in Cannes this week and next week, however, she is stuck in Los Angeles working on some other projects so she won’t be able to make this years Big Island Film Festival.

Kristina translated the following and said I could use the pictures that were taken by photographer Aaron Heck.

Hi Kristina, here some little questions:

– Studying something completely different and then leaving the Hawaii’s sea for your dream on a big city: what are your suggestion for the new actresses?

I would encourage everyone to follow their passion, no matter what it is. This is a very short life and there is no time to waste doing anything but what you absolutely love.

Photo by Aaron Heck

– How was going back to your dance world, then in front of a camera for Black Swan?

I always had an element of regret about not having realized my childhood dream of being a classical ballerina. Being given the opportunity to portray one in Black Swan, and with such an amazing cast and director, was a dream. The filming process and all of the dance training required to prepare helped heal a part of me that still wished I had followed that path. It was an amazing experience.

Photo by Aaron Heck

– You once said that playing a blind woman was one of the most “rewarding acting experiences” of your career. Tell us something about that experience…

I studied at the Los Angeles Braille Institute with the same woman who trained Al Pacino for the film Scent of a Woman. Having to “loose my sight” for a month opened my eyes to something entirely different. My other senses became very well developed. I would turn all the lights off in my hotel room at night and after a few days, didn’t ever feel the need to turn them on when I walked in. An almost extra-sensory perception developed in me. I could feel the energy of all the objects in the room…I could almost hear them. The need to see them became irrelevant. This heightened perception eventually started to occur in daylight with my eyes wide open. This world is much more interesting when you open yourself up to observe every detail…there are so many delicate intricacies that go unnoticed by us in daily life.

– From the big screen to the TV with True Blood: what do you prefer? And how was playing in such a successful series of our days?

Both film and television have their respective pleasures and challenges. I can’t say that I prefer one to the other….I love them both. True Blood is such an fantastic show, great cast, a very smoothly run production. I just love my job. I feel very grateful to wake up every day and do what I love in life.

Photo by Aaron Heck

– Sighting is your last project: how do you felt acting in an horror movie?

Sighting was a great experience in every way. The emotional extremes that are required daily when filming a thriller can be taxing of course, but also an incredible release. There was something very rewarding and freeing about delving into the depths of fear and panic on an almost daily basis. I left set each morning (because we were filming at night) feeling very expressed emotionally and very much at peace.

– And…What’s next?

I did a military action film called BlackJacks which is going to be absolutely spectacular. We are finishing up additional photography for the film this week. I have also just formed a production company based in LA called Amygdala Films (www.amygdalafilms.com) and we have several projects in development that I am very excited about. There are some other projects that I have coming up that I’m not allowed to discuss yet. My days are very busy!

My relationship with fashion is like a chameleons relationship with it’s skin… to protect and transform myself. I do have quite a love affair with exquisitely made things. I definitely have a bit more of an old world sensibility in that way…always quality over quantity. In my bag, you will always find kiehl’s #1 lip balm with SPF and a little travel bottle of their SPF 50. My phone and iPad are always in there as well…and always a book of some sort. I’m currently reading Arnon Milchan’s biography, Confidential.

Local “True Blood” celebrity Kristina Anapau has been back on the Big Island during this holiday season and she has been getting a chance to do more stuff on the island now that she has more then a few days on the island.

Kristina Anapau at the County of Hawaii's Magic of Christmas Celebration

The other day she had the opportunity to go check out the Gemini Astronomy Center up on top of Mauna Kea and today she got invited to go on a lava tour with Lava Ocean Adventures.

Captain Shane and Kristina

We arrived at Isaac Hale park at 5:00 this morning and signed in with Captain Shane Turpin and then we were off for our adventure.

…”Compared to the past two nights, the flow field and ocean entry plume seemed quite inactive yesterday afternoon and overnight,” geologists wrote in their daily activity update, posted Thursday morning. “The webcams picked up no surface activity on the pali, weak, sporadic surface flows near the coast, and a weak ocean entry plume generated by lava entering the ocean at the West Ka’ili’ili lava delta within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.”

The lava flow may be reached by foot from the national park side, by tour helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft, or by one of the tour boats that provide viewing opportunities along the coast…

While the lava wasn’t pumping as much as the last time I visited… there were still at least three lava fingers entering the ocean while we were down there.

Pele meets the ocean

One thing about Pele is that you never really know how much lava is going to be flowing into the ocean until you actually get out to the site as the flows can stop and start at anytime.

Picture taken a couple of days ago from Lava Ocean Adventures Facebook page

Captain Shane mentioned that just a few days ago… there was much more lava visible then there was today.

Lava enters the ocean

Here is a video of the flow from last week:

[youtube=http://youtu.be/BvPSv9VjM0c]

Recorded on the south shores of the Island of Hawaii Saturday morning, December 17, 2011. Video shot from a boat without any stabilization can tend to roll around a bit … so I kept it short so you won’t get seasick :)

The volume of surface lava being sent from fissures at Pu`u O`o Crater through insulating tube systems seven miles south to the ocean changes daily, but yesterday I went by boat to witness this. For more information on how to see the lava by boat and to see some of the still images that I took there, go to my Hawaiian Lava Daily blogspot website.

I’d like to thank Captain Shane for taking us out there and providing us with a great seat at the back of the boat where we were allowed to stand up and get an even better view of things. Mahalo Shane!

To learn more about Lava Ocean Adventure Tours or to book your own tour click here.

I arrived late to the class and had to leave early so I didn’t get a chance to talk with her directly back in October but I did talk to some folks that attended the class and they were very stoked to be getting acting and directing lessons from someone like her.

One of MovieMaker Magazine’s “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” and “25 Coolest Film Festivals”, Big Island Film Festival (BIFF) 2012 is now accepting entries for the May 24-28 events at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and The Shops at Mauna Lani. A celebration of narrative filmmaking, BIFF 2012 includes screenings, social events and networking opportunities, celebrity receptions, screenwriting workshop and a closing night “Best of the Fest” with a top Hawaiian music concert and movies chosen from Festival entries.

All films shot in Hawaii or created by filmmakers who live in Hawaii receive a 25% discount on entry fees (verification required).

BIFF 2012’s “Golden Honu” will be awarded to the Best Feature and Best Short in Family, Student, Animated, Foreign, Hawaii and Audience Choice categories at a special Awards Brunch to honor the filmmakers and their works on Monday, May 28. Numerous alumni films have won awards at prestigious film festivals around the world, and achieved commercial success in the industry.

Big Island Film Festival Director Leo Sears (in red) and some of the 2011 winners of the Big Island Film Festival

BIFF 2011 Best Foreign Film “The Drummond Will” has been acquired by House Lights Media Partners for Theatrical and Non-Theatrical North American distribution. Audience Choice 2011, the made-in-Hawai‘i comedy “Get A Job”, was screened in Spain during the Marbella Film Festival and has enjoyed a successful festival circuit release, as have “The Dead Inside”, “Uncle Melvin’s Apartment” and numerous other BIFF alumni film projects. “Lunatics, Lovers, and Poets” (BIFF 2009) was distributed in 10 states through Carmike Cinemas, and by North American Home Entertainment DVD contract with Seminal Films. “Remarkable Power” starring Kevin Nealon (2009 BIFF Best Feature) was released through most cable outlets as a PPV title before DVD release. “Two Tickets to Paradise” (BIFF 2008), and “Rain in the Mountains” and “Sixes and the One-Eyed King” (BIFF 2007) have been released on DVD.

“We are extremely grateful and very excited to be working on the seventh annual Big Island Film Festival with our resort partners at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and The Shops at Mauna Lani. There aren’t too many places more beautiful and inspiring—than here under the stars and the tropical palm trees—to watch your film and enjoy the company of fellow artists from all over the world,’” said Executive Director Leo Sears. “With our new dates over the Memorial Day holiday, we’re hoping filmmakers and film-lovers will start a new Memorial Weekend tradition, come join us, relax, and enjoy meeting fellow artists and appreciative audiences.”

Kristina Anapau in front of the Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of narrative filmmaking, with free family films under the stars at The Shops at Mauna Lani, international features and shorts screened days and evenings at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, stellar social events, celebrity receptions, screenwriting workshops, film awards and much more in an outstanding island setting.

The Big Island Film office and the University of Hawaii at Hilo Performing Arts Department have teamed up to bring local girl Kristina Anapau home for a one-day acting workshop covering the business of film and television.

The workshop will be held this Sunday, October 9th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at UH Hilo.

Anapau’s most recent role on television was the character of “Maurella” in the HBO series True Blood and when I asked her if she would be returning to the role next season she stated, “The creators of the show like to keep what is to come a secret and I honor that completely.”

Anapau did send me a few still shots from the episode that she was in:

Kristina Anapau playing the role of Maurella on True Blood

I asked Kristina what her initial reaction was when she found out that she had been chosen to play the role of “Maurella” on True Blood and she stated, “I was thrilled. I absolutely love Alan Ball’s work and True Blood is one of the best shows on television.”

Maurella captured fans attention during last seasons True Blood and wonder if she will be back for the next season

I noticed that Anapau seems to play characters in a lot of suspense type of movies and so I asked her what her favorite suspense movies were and she noted that “Sea of Love” and “Witness” were two incredible suspense films that she favorites.

Don't mess with Maurella

I had the opportunity to meet Kristina at last years Big Island Film Festival and when I asked her if she was going to be present for this years film festival she said, “I love the festival and adore Leo and Jan Sears. If I’m not filming at that time, I’d love to attend next years fest.”

Kristina at last years Big Island Film Festival

I asked Kristina if she believes in vampires and she said, “Yes, but not the kind that suck your blood.”

Dang Blood Suckers!

I asked Anapau what she would like to say to Big Island residents in general about the upcoming workshop at UH Hilo and she said, “I’m very excited to be able to share a bit of what I’ve learned throughout the years. There is a lot of talent on the Big Island…I hope my experiences and guidance will inspire the attendees to go out and make their own dreams a reality.”

Kristina Anapau at the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii during the 2011 Big Island Film Festival

I swore to Kristina that I wouldn’t tell anyone and I thought for a second that Tiffany Edwards Hunt let the cat out of the bag when she posted the blog post entitled “Acting Workshop Slated for Oct. 9” where she posted the following flyer for an upcoming workshop at UH Hilo that she will be presenting at:

Tonight’s episode is called “Soul of Fire” and here is a brief description of it:

As the Wiccan-vampire standoff reaches a critical juncture, Sookie summons her faerie powers to prevent Marnie from bewitching Bill, Eric and Pam into a suicide march, while Jesus casts a secret spell designed to un-bind Antonia and break the witch’s deadly defenses. Sam settles a score with Marcus; Alcide confronts Debbie about her allegiances; Andy finds unexpected passion in the forest; Lafayette is consumed by the past.

This morning I asked her a few questions regarding tonight’s episode and she said the following:

“My characters name in tonight’s episode of True Blood is “Maurella” and “It may be a recurring role… it’s up to the producers and HBO… We won’t know until later in the year when filming the next season starts up again.”

When I asked her about internet rumors of her also being in Season 3 she stated that she was not in any episodes in season three.

Kristina has been very busy of late as she mentioned that in a few weeks she will be shooting another film on location in Utah called “BlackJacks”.

My son with an autographed picture of her

I’m glad that Kristina is finding great success in Hollywood and look forward to seeing her at UH Hilo on October 9th.

King’s Ransom Winery is one of the most haunted places in America, with a long history of bazaar suicides. Six ghost hunters have been given the rare opportunity to conduct a paranormal investigation. What they discover terrifies them.

Mr. Sears began by thanking the Sponsors of the Festival such as the Fairmont Orchid, the Shops at Mauna Lani, the County of Hawaii and John Mason with the Hawaii County Film Office, “Redeeming Light International” as well as others were also thanked.

Kenwood Vineyards was recognized as a “big sponsor” since they have sponsored the festival for so many years.

Some Kenwood wines

Naketha Mattocks was recognized for her support and workshop that she put on called “The Inside Pitch” and Ron Osborn was recognized for his continual work with the festival.

Ron Osborn

Mayor Kenoi was on hand and signed a bottle of wine that all of the celebrities and filmmakers signed that would be auctioned off later for the Wounded Warriors project.

An autographed picture of Kristina Anapau was auctioned off for charity as well and I just had to drop the big bucks to keep my son happy!

Hayden with an autographed photo of Kristina Anapau

I’d like to thank all those that worked so hard to put this on and especially thank Leo Sears for working so hard at ensuring such a smooth festival happens.

Mahalo Leo... Who needs drive-in movies when we have the Big Island Film Festival?

Media Release:

Twelve films received Golden Honu Awards at the 6thAnnual Big Island Film Festival today. Best Feature went to “Queen of the Lot,” starring Tanna Frederick and Noah Wyle, written and directed by Henry Jaglom, produced by Rosemary Marks.

Winners were selected from 63 entries from across the country and around the world, including 10 made in Hawai’i. The made-on-Maui film, “Get A Job,” starring Willie K, Eric Gilliom, Augie T, Henry Kapono and many other top Hawaiian entertainers, won 2011 Audience Choice Feature.

“Sarah Wayne Callies was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is the daughter of two university professors. She graduated from Dartmouth College and received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Denver’s National Theatre Conservatory.”

Tonight there was a “Reception and Salute” to local girl Kristina Anapau at Monstera Noodles & Sushi at The Shops at Mauna Lani where she was presented with the Golden Honu Award for Acting at the Big Island Film Festival.

Kristina Anapau in front of the Fairmont Orchid

She is a very nice young lady and most folks that I have talked to have all talked about how genuine and sweet she is.

Talking to fans at Monstera Noodles & Sushi

Big Island Film Festival director Leo Sears and movie star Carey Hiroyuki Tagawa were on hand to give her the award.

Leo Sears and Carey Hiroyuki Tagawa

I had to leave early as I had to meet my wife and son as they finally made their way over from the other side of the island, but I look forward to talking to her again before she leaves.

Tonight there will be a “Reception and Salute” to local girl Kristina Anapau at Monstera Noodles & Sushi at The Shops at Mauna Lani where she will be presented with the Golden Honu Award for Acting.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend some time talking to Kristina about her career and her life away from the Big Island.

Kristina at the Fairmont Orchid

Kristina is the daughter of Richard and Gloria Roper from Hilo, Hawaii and she attended Hilo High School for a couple years while also attending UH Hilo.

Kristina's Parents and her Boyfriend

In her most recent film, the thrilling movie “The Swan” directed by Darren Aronosky, with Natalie Portman, she played the role of “Galima” a ballet dancer which really is not even like acting for her as she has been active in ballet since she was four.

For all you guys who may be wondering… she is very much in love with her boyfriend Neuroscientist/Neurosurgeon Moran Cerf whom she met at a dinner party in Los Angeles.

Proving to be a true triple threat to Hollywood, Kristina Anapau has wowed audiences on the big and small screen. Her latest endeavor, Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan, is a thriller set in the professional ballet world. Kristina plays “Galina” and stars opposite Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Winona Ryder, and Barbara Hershey. Black Swan debuted as the opening film at the 2010 Venice International Film Festival, and was also shown at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival.

Born in Hawaii, Kristina Anapau spent her youth studying classical ballet, music and theater. She graduated from high school at the age of 15, and that same year began her studies at The University of Hawaii. With dreams of pursuing a professional dance career, Anapau’s life would soon take a fateful turn, as she was cast in Universal Television’s, Escape From Atlantis, landing her first professional starring role at the age of 16. Soon after, she relocated to Los Angeles where she continued to work steadily both theatrically and commercially. At age 20, Kristina landed a recording contract with Hollywood Records and spent much of that year recording an album and opening for Destiny’s Child on MTV’s TRL Tour, but her true love and passion remained performing in film and television.

Anapau recently completed the independent film, The Speak, in which she stars opposite Tom Sizemore. She also acted alongside Golden Globe winner Diane Venora and Greg German in ThinkFilm’s Independent Feature, Self Medicated, winner of over 35 International film awards. Anapau also starred with Christina Ricci and Jesse Eisenberg in the Dimension Films’ thriller, Cursed, directed by Wes Craven, and shined as Cassie Merteuil in the Sony Pictures/Newmarket Films release, Cruel Intentions 3. She appeared in the films, Madison, starring Jim Caviezel and Bruce Dern, as well as, the Lions Gate comedy, 100 Girls.

Her television credits are impressive as Kristina has recurred and guest starred in many noteworthy productions, including: The Glades, House, Monk, CSI:NY, Without A Trace, Once & Again, General Hospital, and Knight Rider. She also starred opposite popular comedian, Dane Cook, in the Sony Television produced pilot, Cooked.

In her spare time, Kristina enjoys taking ballet classes, traveling, writing, and working with Beyond Shelter, an organization that combats poverty and homelessness among families with children in the LA area. She is a graduate of Skidmore College in New York and currently resides in Los Angeles.

Trivia:

Named one of Stuff Magazine’s “Hollywood’s Most Wanted – The 50 Hottest Women To Watch”.

Named one of Stuff Magazine’s “Sexiest Women In The World” in 2003.

Graduated from high school when she was only 15 years old. Started her first year of college at University of Hawaii while she was still 15.

Daughter of a scientist and an artist.

Graduated from Skidmore College in New York with a major in Performing Arts and a minor in Art History.

Kristina is definitely a go-getter type of a person who when she was younger idolized Madonna and when I asked her about some words of wisdom she has for aspiring local kids who may want to become actors or actresses she stated, “…I think you just need to jump into it (acting) as soon as possible!”

It was great talking to Kristina and I just want to personally say congratulations to her for winning this years Golden Honu Award.

The 2011 Big Island Film Festival kicked off today with a VIP welcoming party for the filmmakers and stars that made their way to the Big Island this year.

This was the first time that Mayor Kenoi has opened the festival and it was good to see such a large turn out of people.

The opening was held at the Fairmont Orchid for the first couple hours for drinks and light pupus while people socialized and got to know each other

I was taking pictures up front… when all of a sudden someone tapped me on my shoulders and asked if I was Damon… I said yes… and the next thing I knew… I was talking to one of the FEATURED STARS of the festival… Kristina Anapau! A few days ago she agreed to meet with me on Thursday (Tomorrow) for an interview!

I will be meeting with her tomorrow for a short interview… but in the meantime… I realized that no one in the place knew that she was in attendance so I asked her if she would be willing to meet Mayor Kenoi and she agreed!

Mayor Kenoi gave Kristina a bunch of compliments for representing the Big Island and I asked the two of them to come outside and take a few pictures together.

I like to think of these shots as “The Beauty and the Beast” LOL!

After the reception was over, free screenings of movies happened over at The Shops at Mauna Lani.

Despite a minor technical difficulty… folks were able to view the shows on the screen under the stars and the weather stayed clear.

Festival Director Leo Sears apologized for the technical difficulty to the crowd while also introducing the stars to the general public.